Former Barcelona president reveals club received bombshell €400m offer for Messi: ‘Funds from an Arab country were transferred’

Former Barcelona president reveals club received bombshell €400m offer for Messi: ‘Funds from an Arab country were transferred’

Former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has opened up on one of the most dramatic moments during his time at the club, revealing how close Lionel Messi came to being targeted by an extraordinary transfer move.

Speaking in an interview with Cadena SER, Bartomeu reflected on the period following Neymar’s exit, when Barcelona were already dealing with major changes.

It was during this time that concerns began to grow inside the club about a potential record-breaking attempt to sign Messi.

Bartomeu explained how the rumours first surfaced. “A few weeks after Neymar’s departure, rumours began to circulate that a club was preparing €400 million for Messi – the amount of his release clause.”

He then went further, revealing details about how serious the situation appeared at the time.

“Funds from an Arab country were transferred to accounts in Europe.”

More to the story

When pressed for more details about the origin of those funds, Bartomeu chose not to disclose specifics but hinted at the level of financial power involved.

“It doesn’t matter now… that’s old news; it was years ago. There are very few clubs in England, or state-owned clubs, that can afford such sums.”